The Discovery of Egypt
Who is the new girl who moves to the neighborhood?
April Hall
Who becomes April’s first close friend?
Melaine Ross
Where do April and Melanie spend much of their free time?
In an empty lot near the neighborhood.
What game do April and Melanie decide to create?
The Egypt Game
Who else begins to join the Egypt Game?
Toby and Ken
Why does April live with her grandmother instead of her parents?
Her mother is in California trying to become an actress, and April is sent to live with her grandmother.
How are April and Melanie different from each other?
Melanie is quiet and reserved, while April is outgoing and energetic.
What makes the empty lot different from other places?
It is overgrown, hidden, and feels private and mysterious.
Why do they choose ancient Egypt as the focus of their game?
They are fascinated by Egyptian history, mystery, and rituals.
What rules or structures begin to form in the game?
Everyone is given a role, and they are all sworn to secrecy.
In Chapter 1, how does April feel about moving to a new place?
She feels lonely and unhappy, which is shown by her quiet behavior and lack of friends.
Why does Melanie accept April so quickly?
Melanie is friendly and open, and she senses that April needs a friend.
Why are the girls drawn to this location?
It gives them freedom to imagine and escape from their everyday lives.
How does research become part of the game?
The girls read books and study Egyptian culture to make the game more realistic.
Why is secrecy important to the group?
It protects the game and makes it feel special and exclusive.
What does April’s situation reveal about her emotional needs?
She needs attention, stability, and a sense of belonging.
How does Melanie’s family life influence her personality?
Coming from a large family, Melanie is used to sharing, talking, and including others.
How does the lot help the girls be creative?
The empty space allows the girls to create their own world without adult rules.
Why do the girls treat the game seriously?
The game gives them purpose, control, and a sense of importance.
How does leadership begin to develop?
April and Melanie take responsibility for organizing and guiding the game.
Name one way that Chapter 1 shows the theme of loneliness.
April has no friends, April's mom is separating from her, and April is in a new location.
How does this chapter emphasize the importance of friendship?
It shows how friendship can change a character
What is the name of Marshall's stuffed animal, and what is its name?
Security and Octopus
How does this chapter begin to blur imagination and reality?
The girls start acting as if the Egypt Game is real, not just pretend.
How does the Egypt Game meet emotional needs for the children?
It provides belonging, friendship, and a sense of control.